Rather than verbally explaining the entire tournament’s outcome, Noah reached into his bag and carefully withdrew the championship sword in its presentation case. He opened it slowly, revealing the gleaming golden blade that caught the living room’s light and appeared to glow with internal fire.
Alan’s eyes went wide with shock, his mouth falling open as he processed what he was seeing. "Is that... Noah, is this made of pure gold?"
Noah nodded, unable to suppress his satisfied smile at his father’s reaction. "Pure gold. It’s the tournament championship prize. I won the whole thing, Dad."
"You won?!" Alan’s voice cracked with emotion as the full meaning hit him. "The entire tournament? Against all those experienced martial artists?"
"The entire tournament," Noah confirmed. "Beat everyone in my bracket, then won the finals decisively."
Alan stood speechless for a moment, staring between his son and the golden sword as if trying to reconcile this reality with his expectations. Tears began forming in his eyes as pride overwhelmed him.
"I’m so proud of you, son. Your mother would have been too."
"And there’s also the prize money," Noah added casually, watching his father’s reaction. "A million dollars."
Alan’s eyes went even wider if that was possible, his hand reaching out to steady himself against the sofa’s armrest. "A million... Noah, that’s incredible! With that kind of money, you can pay for this house fully! No more monthly payments, complete ownership!"
Noah laughed at his father’s immediate practical thinking. The suggestion was sweet in its modest ambition, even if it revealed just how vast the gap had become between his father’s understanding of his financial situation and the reality.
I could buy this house twenty times over with the money I have now, Noah thought to himself with internal amusement. His current assets exceeded twenty-five million dollars, with daily revenue streams that added over two million more every single day. The monthly payments on their modest family home represented pocket change compared to his actual wealth.
But there was no reason to share that information with his father right now. Alan had been very supportive of his son, not asking many questions. The shock of learning his son had somehow accumulated tens of millions of dollars might raise questions Noah couldn’t adequately answer.
"That’s definitely an option," Noah agreed diplomatically, not wanting to dismiss his father’s enthusiasm. "Having the house fully paid off would give us both peace of mind."
The truth was that Noah had been planning to pay off the mortgage for weeks now, ever since his daily revenue had stabilised at such astronomical levels. He had simply been waiting for an appropriate excuse to explain the sudden influx of money without creating suspicion about its true source.
After spending some time with his father discussing the tournament and celebrating his victory, Noah decided it was time to give him the Amulet of Protection. The conversation with Tanaka about potential threats to his loved ones had solidified his resolve to ensure his father’s safety immediately.
He reached into his pocket and carefully withdrew the pendant, the magical artefact appearing as an elegant piece of jewellery that wouldn’t seem out of place as a simple gift. The amulet’s subtle craftsmanship made it look valuable but not ostentatious, perfect for everyday wear without drawing unwanted attention.
"Dad, I got you something," Noah said, holding out the pendant for his father to see.
Alan looked at the amulet with curiosity, reaching out to examine it more closely. "Noah, you didn’t need to buy me anything. The tournament victory is a gift enough."
"I wanted to," Noah insisted, placing the pendant in his father’s palm. "Come on, old man, you’re not going to take a gift from your son? I’d really like you to wear it at all times, okay? It would make me feel better knowing you have it." Thɪs chapter is updated by novel※fire.net
He deliberately avoided mentioning the amulet’s true protective capabilities. Telling his father that it could shield him from physical harm or that there might be dangerous people seeking revenge would only cause unnecessary worry and stress that his father needed none of.
Alan examined the pendant with appreciation, running his fingers over its surface. "It’s beautiful craftsmanship. Are you sure about this? It looks expensive."
"Completely sure," Noah confirmed. "Just promise me you’ll keep it on. Don’t take it off, even when sleeping or showering. It’s important to me."
The earnestness in Noah’s voice made Alan nod in agreement, even if he didn’t fully understand why his son was being so insistent about a piece of jewellery. "Alright, son. If it means that much to you, I’ll wear it constantly."
Noah helped his father fasten the chain around his neck, ensuring the amulet sat comfortably against his chest, where it would remain close to his body and provide maximum protection. The magical artefact activated immediately upon contact, creating an invisible barrier that would shield Alan from any physical threats without his awareness.
"Thank you, Noah," Alan said warmly, touching the pendant with obvious appreciation for the gesture even if he couldn’t perceive its true value.
"You’re welcome, Dad. Just remember to keep it on."
After that, Noah excused himself, stifling a fake yawn as he stood from the sofa. "I’m pretty tired from everything today, Dad. I think I’m going to head to my room and get some rest."
"Of course, son. You’ve earned it after such an incredible week," Alan replied warmly, his hand still absently touching the pendant around his neck.
Noah deliberately left the golden trophy sword in the living room, setting it prominently on the coffee table where his father could easily access it. He knew Alan would want to take pictures and examine it more closely, perhaps even show it off a little, but was probably feeling slightly shy about doing so while Noah was present.
The truth was that Noah wasn’t tired at all. His vitality attribute made physical exhaustion almost impossible to experience from normal activities. But he needed privacy for what came next.